Michelle Hollands and her two children Laura, 2 (left), and Ellison, 4, using an iPad. Photo / George Novak
Michelle Hollands and her two children Laura, 2 (left), and Ellison, 4, using an iPad. Photo / George Novak
Being technology savvy is in children's best interests but the use of gadgets should always been in moderation, says a Tauranga mum.
Michelle Hollands allows her two children Laura, 2, and Ellison, 4, to use an iPad at home and at Gate Pa Preschool.
Laura has special needs so afterseeking advice from the Blind and Low Vision Education Network and other groups, Mrs Hollands decided to download applications to her iPad for visually impaired children that would help Laura.
"We sought all the advice with it and have found it quite good. We never leave her alone with it. It's not just watching movies with it but special apps. I still do other activities with her like reading her books and I think it is important for children to learn how to turn pages in a book and everything else they learn two-dimensional imaging and interaction with.
"But I think using technology is in their best interests to be a bit technology savvy because that's where everything is moving towards."
Dee Cooper is another mother who agreed technology was good when used right.
Her children are allowed to play educational games on the family tablet and they also have a Leap Pad with spelling and maths type games.
"I think it's good for their learning because everything is technology driven now. My 5-year-old started school recently and they are using iPads in class."
